As the festive season approaches, let's indulge in some mouthwatering treats that rejoice our taste buds and warm up our hearts. Today, we're going to share three delicious recipes ideal for special celebrations like Diwali. From sweet delicacies to savory snacks, these recipes offer the perfect blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Rawa Ladoo: A Sweet Sensation
By Ms. Sonia Shah – Health Coach and Nutrition Advisor, Adani Wilmar, Fortune Foods
Ladoos will give Indian celebrations the fruiting height; it is full of delight because this Rawa Ladoo recipe brings the twist for the age-old treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Rawa
- 1½ cups Sugar (powdered)
- ½ cup Ghee
- ¼ cup warm Milk
- 2 tablespoons Grated coconut (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped Cashews
- 1 tablespoon Raisins
Instructions:
- Roast the Rawa:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add Fortune Rawa and roast until golden brown, stirring continuously (8-10 minutes).
- If using, add grated coconut during the last 2-3 minutes of roasting.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Ghee Mixture:
- In a small pan, fry cashews and raisins in the remaining ghee until golden. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Mix roasted Fortune Rawa, fried nuts, powdered Fortune Sugar, and cardamom powder in a large bowl.
- Form the Ladoos:
- Gradually add warm milk to the mixture, mixing well.
- Shape into round ladoos by pressing between your palms.
- Rest and Store:
- Let the ladoos set for at least an hour.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips:
- Add a pinch of saffron soaked in milk for richer flavor.
- Increase Fortune Sugar to 2 cups for a sweeter taste.
- These ladoos can be made in advance and are perfect for sharing during festivals.
Chana Dal Barfi: A Rich Indulgence
By Ms. Sonia Shah – Health Coach and Nutrition Advisor, Adani Wilmar, Fortune Foods
This Chana Dal Barfi surely is a creamy delight, nutty and which fuses the goodness of lentils with sweetness of sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Chana Dal
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Ghee
- 2 cups Milk
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons Grated coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped Nuts (almonds, pistachios, or cashews)
- A pinch of Saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fortune Chana Dal:
- Soak dal for 2-3 hours, then grind into a smooth paste.
- Roast the Chana Dal Paste:
- Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a pan, add the dal paste, and roast until golden (8-10 minutes).
- Cook with Milk:
- Add milk gradually, stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor:
- Stir in Fortune Sugar, cardamom powder, and optional saffron.
- Cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan (10-12 minutes).
- Incorporate Nuts and Coconut:
- Add chopped nuts and optional coconut, stir well.
- Shape and Cool:
- Spread mixture on a greased tray, garnish with nuts.
- Cool completely, then cut into shapes.
Tips:
- Roasting the dal paste well is key to enhancing flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of Fortune Sugar.
- For a softer texture, reduce cooking time after adding milk.
Baked Masala Namak Para: A Healthier Crunch
By Ms. Sonia Shah – Health Coach and Nutrition Advisor, Adani Wilmar, Fortune Foods
The traditional namak para baked version offers all the flavor with lesser quantities of oil in it, making it a guilt-free snack option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Chakki Fresh Atta
- 1 cup Maida
- 1 tablespoon Fortune Suji
- ¼ cup Ghee
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Black sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Rub in ghee until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Knead into a firm dough with water.
- Shape the Namak Para:
- Roll dough into thin sheets.
- Cut into diamond shapes or strips.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange pieces on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve or store in an airtight container.
Tips:
- Sprinkle chaat masala after baking for extra flavor.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Ensure even rolling for uniform baking.
These three dishes which will bring to you a perfect blend of sweet and savory treats that will brighten up your festive celebrations. From the rich sweetness of the ladoos to creamy textures of barfi, or satisfying crunch of namak para, these dishes will surely thrill your family along with all your guests. Happy cooking and happy festivities!
